ADHD

I was just scrolling through Facebook and ran across an article about ADHD. For some reason it made me reminisce about the discovery of Ammon's diagnosis and I decided I wanted to write it down. Then I realized that his diagnosis really started with my discovery that Andrew has ADHD, so I guess I'd better begin there.

In the early years of our marriage, Andrew and I got to a point where we decided to see a counselor together. Ammon was still quite young - just two years old, and our only child at the time. The first time we met Betty, she took us into her office and pretty much by the time we were seated she looked at Andrew and said, "Do you know that you have ADHD?" I was startled by her question and wondered how she could immediately assess him like that. Equally startled, he looked at her and explained, "Well, I was diagnosed when I was six, but when my parents tried Ritalin I didn't sleep well so they took me off of it. The doctors told them that I would grow out of it. How did you know?"

She said she picked up on it based on the way he fidgeted with his shoe laces, or something along those lines. She was very familiar with ADHD tendencies, as she had it herself, and felt certain in her assessment. She explained that although it had once been thought that a person grows out of ADHD, that this was often NOT the case. I can't remember if it was then, or later, that Andrew took this information really hard. The idea that there was something "not normal" about his brain was distressing to him. I think that she perhaps mentioned the idea of medication, but Andrew was too upset about feeling "different" and opted against it.

We started learning about ADHD and discovered that it is very genetic. This left us wondering if Ammon might have it. He was a busy child who seemed to be always on the go and had no fear. He was constantly getting lost when we took him places because he just explored himself away from us without ever looking back. There were times when he would actually leave stores and go wander in the parking lot alone. Taking him places was something I avoided at all costs. But he was still just two years old and at that age, Betty told us, it was too difficult to distinguish between a diagnosable condition and normal toddler tendencies.

As life went on, we returned to Betty's office with things about as bad in Andrew's life as they could possibly be. He seemed to be spinning his wheels on all fronts and not making any progress in his life. Exasperated, Betty just looked at him and asked, "Are you taking your medication?"

Stunned, he just looked back and said, "I don't have medication."

At that point she told him that he really needed to look into treating his ADHD and that she didn't think his life would improve until he did. This was really traumatic for him. The idea that he needed medication to "function" was absolutely heartbreaking to him. It hit his whole self-image and crushed who he felt like he was as a person. Still, after taking some time to let the idea sink in, he ultimately decided that he was ready to try whatever he needed to try. He started taking the medication, and life slowly started to piece it's way back together. We still had ups and downs, but improvement started to happen that hadn't existed before. He quickly came to appreciate the blessing of his medication.

Ammon continued to be Ammon. He got a new brother and soon our little Ammon was a sunbeam in primary and then he was getting ready for Kindergarten. I asked everyone I knew whether or not they thought he had ADHD. I had a friend who taught school so I thought she might have some insight. She didn't. I visit taught a woman who had an adult son with ADHD. She also taught Ammon's primary class. I'll always remember her response when I asked if she thought Ammon might have ADHD. She said, "Oh, Jenny - he's got something!" I always appreciated that - she was by far the most confident and direct person I ever talked to with all my sincere wondering.

Ammon's kindergarten year, I went back to college. One of my classes that first semester was Abnormal Child Psychology. It was a weekly class and I remember being so excited when it was time to spend the three hour class period learning about ADHD. Finally, I could get some real insights about my child!

I had already done the reading and we had some instruction. Then the teacher said that she wanted to show us a case study of a child with ADHD. This was it - the moment I was looking for - a real life exampled of ADHD in childhood! I remember feeling disappointed when the movie was over. It wasn't nearly as clear as I had hoped! The nuances of ADHD seemed to evade me. The child wasn't really THAT different than Ammon and I still couldn't tell which side of the line Ammon should fall on. The lights went on and the teacher asked the class what they thought. Suddenly the room was filled with sounds of sympathy for the mother in the video who dealt with such trying circumstances. I was stunned! Everything about the video was so NORMAL to me. It was so much of what I experienced. And yet these people thought it was extreme and outrageous and hard. At that moment I became convinced that Ammon had ADHD. 

The class continued and we discussed the merits and concerns of medication for children with ADHD. Andrew and I had discussed medication for Ammon before on the IF he had ADHD and had determined that we didn't feel it necessary to medicate a child. But the more I learned about the option, the more confident I felt that it had it's place. But it wasn't until we started to discuss the emotional regulation aspect of ADHD that I changed my mind completely. I had only ever thought of ADHD in terms of hyperactivity and impulse control I had NEVER before known that ADHD was the explanation for Ammon's melt downs. The distress he felt when it was time to leave his cousins house and the need for justice he experienced when getting bumped by another child, even accidentally, was suddenly seen through new eyes. I didn't mind having a child who was a little rambunctious and disorderly, but my heart broke to realize that he struggled with the basics of processing his emotions and therefore stayed unnecessarily distressed about things that most of us would not be bothered by.

What happened next was interesting to me. I had spent years thinking this diagnosis was a possibility for son. I was educated on the topic. I didn't have any sense of parenting guilt that I had somehow caused it. I knew that it was largely genetic and not environmental. As I had learned about ADHD, I had discovered that many of the things I loved about Andrew was because of his ADHD, not despite it. So ADHD really didn't have a negative connotation in my mind. In short, I felt that no one could be better prepared to learn of this sort of diagnosis for a child than I was. And yet I still felt completely overwhelmed and uncertain as to where to go from there.

Ultimately, I decided to just schedule an evaluation with his existing pediatrician. This man was old, and I wondered if he would feel like ADHD wasn't a real thing. I was worried that I'd be pushing against a wall. I also had them do some screenings at school. Both the medical determination, and the school determination was that Ammon had ADHD-C. The school also screened Ammon for Aspberger's and his test to that was clearly negative.

The medication made a big difference for Ammon. Kindergarten is the only year he ever had disciplinary issues at school (other than being sent to the principle for reading in class). That year he struggled with some kids who would deliberately needle him. He would react - Ammon ALWAYS reacted. We noticed that getting him to leave his cousins home was easier. He was better behaved at church.

The medication is hard. Ritalin didn't work for him because he would experience a "crash" when it was done. He had huge emotional fits when his medication wore out. But changing to Vyvance, which was a slow on and slow off version alleviated that. We learned that undermedicating is what causes the "zombie" effect. We learned that the proper dosage messes with his sleep and his eating, although he sleep struggles when he isn't medicated as well. The only time he sleeps well is when he is undermedicated.... in that zombie zone. We choose to not go that route. To help his body "relax" from the impacts of the medication, he always spends one day a week unmedicated. Those days are difficult for all of us. It's a constant juggle of pros and cons. On his unmedicated days he is much more likely to get in trouble. He is much more likely to feel distressed. He is much more likely to not accomplish the most basic tasks. On the days he is medicated, I feel like we get to see the real him. He is a gentle, kind, thoughtful, intelligent boy who is an absolute delight and is happy to be productive and helpful.

As he's grown, and I've seen the impact ADHD has on his life, and has had on my husband's life, I feel differently than I did when he was first diagnosed. I wish he didn't have it. I wish he didn't rely to heavily on a daily medication. We try to teach him that his diagnosis isn't an excuse - it's an explanation. In other words, it doesn't mean that he doesn't need to accomplish certain things, but it simply explains why some things might be harder for him than they are for others. But as it would be for all parents, it's hard to know that some things are just harder for my child.

I love him and I'm proud of who he is. ADHD isn't who he is. He is Ammon. A unique and amazing individual that I feel so lucky to have in my life!

Anniversary

For our 16th wedding anniversary, my mom took the kids for two nights. Unfortunately we had soccer games on Thursday night and Saturday morning and it was also General Conference weekend, so we really only had Friday to enjoy as a couple. But having the night before and after was really a nice perk.

After dropping Peter off at my parents home (Ammon and Laurie were already there) we decided to get a late dinner. I wanted to do something out of our normal routine so I mentioned the idea of Thia Basil which is a restaurant just outside of my parents neighborhood in Riverton, UT. We have heard lots of great things about it over the years, but have never been.

It didn't take us long to get there, but on the way we quickly realized that we had absolutely no idea what to order. Peggy and Derrick have really enjoyed Thai food in the past, though, so we called Peggy for some advice. She gave us her recommendations while we sat in the parking lot and then we went on in.

I quickly scanned the menu and found several enticing options that I thought Andrew would enjoy. I was surprised to realize how much the menu intimidated him. I forget how hesitant he is to try new and different foods. He definitely likes to stick with what is familiar. I was actually really touched that he had been so on board with coming to this restaurant when I realized how far outside of his comfort zone it put him. I also decided that I wanted to splurge on a sampler appetizer because I like trying lots of different things. Again, several of the items made him nervous, but ultimately, he tried everything but the egg rolls (something he has had in the past and knew he didn't like). We both ended up ordering curry dishes. The next day we passed an Indian restaurant that we had eaten at (the one and only time we have ever gone to an Indian restaurant). We realized that we enjoy Indian curry flavors more than the Thai food. But it was fun to try it out and I felt really loved knowing that he did that with me without hesitation.

The morning of our anniversary, we actually had some errands to take care of since our weekend was going to be full with general conference. Andrew took the car to work on getting it registered while I went to the doctor for some routine blood work. (They actually took my test a month ago but forgot to run the right tests on it so they needed to take it again.) I also coordinated with my mom's friend Cathy Bang to help her with some babysitting she needed for her granddaughters.

Andrew and I got back from our errands but he also needed to run into work for something that he had left undone the previous day. We did that and decided to take advantage of a gift card he had been given a while back for a diner there in the same parking lot as his workplace. Because the owner banks with Wells Fargo at his location, she knew Andrew by name. My brother Dan also goes to that restaurant a lot and she is familiar with him. I had forgotten that this might be the case so I was surprised when she greeted me and mentioned that I look like my brother. It was fun to be in an environment where I was known by a stranger. It reminded us of the life we enjoyed in Alaska.

After breakfast, our "date" really began. After having recently taken the children to the Church History Museum, I had decided that I really wanted Andrew and I to go to the museum without children. He is an amazing church history buff and gets kind of passionate about what he learns in that regard. I don't have nearly the passion for history - even church history - but I have always had a fondness for the Church History Museum. When I was a missionary, I remember missing it. And I've enjoyed being told some of the things my parents have learned there as docents over these past many years.

We took the time to go very slowly through the different videos and artifacts. It was fun. We also went upstairs to learn about the pioneer trek to Utah and look through an amazing art gallery that was called Saints at Devil's Gate. It was a series of paintings representing different scenes along the path that the pioneers made on their trek west.

We left the Church History Museum and were debating what to do next - whether we should explore Temple Square or move on to our next intended activity which was to go shooting. As we walked out of the Museum our ears were immediately assaulted by the sounds of General Conference protestors shouting all sorts of angry words condemning our faith and beliefs. We didn't want to walk past them to go across the street to temple square, but I was curious about the Family History Library so we ducked into there instead.

We had a blast at the Family History Library. They had nine different stations and we enjoyed each one. Andrew even recorded his version of the events of our engagement. (I wrote one many years ago that is a more complete account of the events but it was fun and entertaining to hear the things that he remembered. He was really having fun playing to the camera. He keeps me laughing.)

After a wonderful time downtown, we went home to rest for a bit before going shooting. For some reason, at that point, Andrew decided that he didn't actually want to go shooting so we decided to scrap that plan. Also, during this time, we learned that Rebecca's boyfriend had moved out and that she was having a rough day. It was her intention for him to leave, but the actual change was abrupt and wasn't as cordial as she had hoped. We tried to figure out what we should do for her and ultimately decided to take her a treat from CostCo. After going there for gas and some treats, we headed, through rush hour traffic, across town to Rebecca's house.

When we got there she had obviously been crying. She had already asked people for help with cleaning and reorganizing this weekend, and its seemed apparent that we could jump in with that. Without really discussing it, I started in on cleaning Rebecca's kitchen while Andrew helped her rearrange some furniture and clean the living room. My heart was warmed by an amazing husband who was willing to spend his anniversary night cleaning a house belonging to someone else. I was even more amazed when he took a minute to pull me aside and with great concern asked if I was OK with MY anniversary being spent that way. He hadn't even thought to be distressed for himself, but was only worried that I was satisfied with the course of events. We were in perfect agreement in thinking that nothing we could have been doing in that moment was more meaningful than helping Rebecca. So we decided to treat her to dinner as well. Once again, my heart melted as we sat in the restaurant on a special occasion and with arrangements having been made for our own children, knowing that my husband was willingly paying for two extra people, at a restaurant we likely would not have selected, with a rambunctious toddler that made the experience less relaxing. And he did it willingly and feeling confidently pleased with his choice to do so.

By the time we took Rebecca back to her house, it was after dark. We decided to stop for some cheesecake to take home and just take the rest of the night easy at home. The next morning we woke up and it was back to the crazy juggle of schedules with multiple events happening simultaneously. I missed Ammon, Peter and Laurie for our two nights without them, but I am so very grateful that my mom and Grandma provided them with a great environment that they were happy to be in, and that Andrew and I had a special day to laugh and play and enjoy each other's company on our own terms.

Obedience

Last week I taught a Relief Society lesson about obedience. Later that evening we were visiting with my parents (it was Father's Day) and as we discussed how my lesson went I realized that even they weren't familiar with an experience I had that I shared during the lesson. Since then I have felt the need to write and record what I went through and what I learned.

When I was twelve years old, we received word that my seven year old cousin Buddy had been in a bad accident. He had been riding his bike and was hit by a car. His situation was dire.

My immediate family gathered together and we decided, as a group, to participate in an extended family fast being held specifically for Buddy. It was not the first time I had ever fasted, but was the first occasion I can recall involving myself in for such a desperate purpose and on a non-fast Sunday (although the day we fasted was a Sunday).

I went to church that day with an extra prayer in my heart as our souls were weighed down with concern. As I arrived to my final meeting of the three hour block - young women's - I discovered that our leaders had a surprise for us. They had arranged for us to leave the church building and go to one of the leaders homes. At that home they had the most magnificent brunch prepared for us!

If you have ever read the description of the feast in the Little Princess, then you have read the way I would describe this brunch! I remember being overwhelmed at the amazing foods that were abundantly spread over a large table and onto the counter. It seemed that there were fruits of all varieties and they just looked inviting and delicious. There were waffles and muffins and whipped cream and syrup and just everything you could ask for in a brunch.

And I was fasting.

I remember thinking, "But when I decided to fast, I didn't know that THIS is what I would be giving up." I debated whether or not to continue in my planned course of action, justifying that Heavenly Father would understand that forgoing this amazing and unique brunch opportunity was beyond the scope of expectations for the day.

And yet somehow, in the midst of this internal debate, my twelve year old heart became resolute and determined to step up, with a stronger conviction, to the sacrificial fast that we were offering in behalf of my cousin. My stomach growled as I looked longingly on the grapes and strawberries and waffles and whipped cream. But I knew it was the right thing to do.

Sadly, despite our fasting and prayers, my cousin never recovered from his accident and passed away shortly after. I remember feeling a strong sense of calm when he died - as if Heavenly Father was blessing me with a knowledge that he had heard our prayers and that they were being answered in the way that had Buddy's eternal best interests in mind. I felt peace despite his death and confidence that a loving Heavenly Father was over all.

As the years moved forward, I have often thought back to that seemingly insignificant choice I made. I wonder what my experience would have been if I had broken my commitment to the fast and Buddy had died. I think I would have had to wonder if his death was somehow my fault. I would have found myself dealing with concerns and spiritual and emotional questions that would have drowned me. But because I did my part, I could stand in confidence that the blessings of God were unimpeded and his love was available to us to receive.

I learned, with absolute certainty, that obedience brings peace to my soul and confidence in my Heavenly Father. I learned that those are the things of eternity and matter more than any outcome in this life.

January 2016

I was trying to figure out how to load my pictures off of my phone and onto the computer. Different operating systems and programs have changed the process. While I was working on it, I came across all my old pictures and decided to go back and make some collages. Here are the ones I have done so far. They are from a year ago. It's amazing to see how different life was. We are happy where we are but we miss our life in Alaska every day.

This first picture is actually from our visit to Utah We started 2016 visiting family. We had come for Ammon's ordination which also happened to fall over Christmas break. We went to Leatherby's for our final family activity of our vacation. A new Draper location had opened while we lived in Alaska so we decided to try it out. We felt like the line moved way slower and we regretted not sticking with the tried and true Taylorsville location. Now that we live in Taylorsville, we'll stick with our classic Leatherby's experience.

Traveling in and out of Craig could be a beast. Andrew and Ammon had to get back sooner for school and work obligations, but Peter, Laurie and I waited in Utah a bit longer for the cheaper tickets. We flew from Salt Lake to Seattle where we got on a connecting flight to Ketchikan. Then we had to spend the night in Ketchikan. We stayed at the Landing.

On our way home from Utah we stayed the night in Ketchikan and had the majority of they day to hang out - the ferry didn't leave until 3:30. Unfortunately our hotel room was only until 10 or 11. We took all of our luggage, my barely two year old and my eight year old and walked from the Landing to the Plaza. I went and said hello to all our Wells Fargo buddies and they let us ditch our suitcases there. A wonderful friend (Inger Anderson) picked us up from the plaza and drove us to the ferry. (Her husband had delivered us from the ferry to the hotel the night before.) I was so excited to be back home with my husband once we finally arrived.

Peter spent a lot of time at the Library when we lived in Craig. He liked to play video games with his friends. Laurie liked the library too. But not as much as she liked visiting Daddy at Wells Fargo and taking over his desk.

The beautiful island always brought such an underlying peace and serenity to my heart. It was such a soothing place to live.

We had a nice home in Craig that was always filled with family and friends. We loved to spend time with each other. On this particular day, Laurie received some late birthday presents - shoes! She loved them and the boys were eager to help here try them on.

I always love seeing my three children playing together.

For Ammon's first even mutual activity we had a combined YM/YW meeting on a float house in Thorn Bay! It was awesome. We made homemade pizza's and had a great fireside about the theme for the year.

Another beautiful day in Craig.

The power went out so Andrew and I played backgammon in the dark as our own little date night after the kids went to bed. Other then that, these pictures all seem to be just normal parts of the day.

Prior to January, I babysit Raeann twice a week in exchange for the three days Marci babysat Laurie. After I returned from my trip, our schedules changed and we each arranged different babysitting. But we continued to look forward to times when we would have Marci, Raeanne and/or Maelynn in our home.

Peter was very proud of getting perfect grades the entire time we lived in Craig. He got certificates and awards every semester.

Papa's Pizza was a fun little hang out. We went there on occasion but bought their pizza every Friday night. Our family has missed their huge pizza that had it's own unique taste.

Andrew decided to do his own Sprint Triathlon. He thought that he might work up to swimming in the ocean in the summer time but we never got that far. For this January tri he just swam in the local pool. He rode his bike out to Klawock and back, then ran Hamilton Loop and Cemetery trail. It was impressive!

We loved having friends over. Daniel Ericksen came over once or twice to play games with Ammon. Peter loved helping take care of Maelynn when she was visiting.

Here is anther ordinary day with us being in a variety of places including the city gym, the library and our house.

First Day

Today is the first day since moving in that Andrew has gone to work and the boys have gone to school. It's been a fun day of hanging out with Laurie and cleaning. I love our new house!

Yesterday we had several neighbors come by to welcome us. It was nice! Andrew went to play basketball at the church. Ammon and Peter were able to go to their scout activities. We just need to get Laurie to acclimate to her primary class and we'll be set. I think this is going to be a good home for us - both the house itself, and the neighborhood.

All New

We've lived in our new house (Taylorsville, UT) for one week now. We love it more and more every day.

Today was our first day in our new ward. We loved it. After Sacrament Meeting Andrew helped Laurie and Peter find primary. Ammon and I went out to the foyer to figure out where his Sunday School class might be. We were approached by the Young Men's President, the Deacon's Quorum President, and one other boy in the ward who gave Ammon a warm welcome and went to class with him. Andrew said that when he went to the opening exercises for priesthood he found Andrew sitting with a group of boys. I asked Ammon if he made any friends today. He doesn't usually pick up on people's names but he at least new that one of the boys had a name that started with the letter B. That may sound funny, but it actually seemed like a huge step for Ammon and as a mom I feel really excited that he was given such a warm welcome at church.

Peter also seemed to enjoy his first day in primary. He knew that we were going to Michael and Sophia's Aunt's ward, but I guess he didn't realize that he would also get to meet some of their other cousins. He was pretty excited about that!

Laurie did not have such a good transition. Doubling up on a switch both in a new ward AND into primary instead of nursery was overwhelming for the poor girl. Especially because primary was from 12:15-2:00 so we were in prime time napping hours the day after New Years Eve! I peeked into the primary room after getting Ammon settled and found that Laurie had latched herself onto Andrew and wouldn't let him leave. I went in and switched him places so he could go to Sunday School. I don't know if she has ever been as clingy as she was today. The primary did a great job and were absolutely phenomenal in doing the right sorts of things to help her relax. But she didn't. I really think she was just too tired. After sharing time, I just went ahead and took her to Relief Society with me. Her teacher gave her all the handouts and treats she would have gotten in class, and today at home she has already been talking more positively about primary. Hopefully next week will go better. She did fall asleep in RS.

After church we had family scripture study. Somehow it turned into a discussion about the spirit of Elijah and before I knew it Andrew was in tears sharing his testimony to our family about the nature and importance of eternal families. It was so unexpected and extremely moving. What a great way to start the year!

Tomorrow is the last day of our Christmas break. It's been good, although hectic with moving, Christmas, two birthdays, Andrew wrapping up his semester, and New Year festivities. There is a part of me that is looking forward to getting back to the routine. Actually, we'll be starting a new routine with a longer commute to school. Hopefully the drive won't be too much for me. I'll get to ease into the new schedule because Andrew has a few days off work this week. I'm looking forward to having some bonus time with him.

2016 was a great year for our family. Not easy, but great. We miss Alaska, but I really do think it was the best move for us to come back to Utah. We're looking forward to putting the transition behind us and jumping into our new life with both feet.

January 2016

We began this year visiting family in Utah. Andrew and Ammon headed home on January 3 to get back for work and school commitments while Laurie, Peter and I spent a few more days in Utah waiting for tickets prices to drop.

Once we were all back home life was in full swing!

Andrew began his MBA program. He has planned to get an MBA since before he finished his BS degree, but the timing was never quite right. “Someday” has finally arrived, though, and we decided our family was ready for the commitment and sacrifices this goal will require. He is enrolled with Western Governor’s University. Andrew is continuing to find success with his work at Well’s Fargo. He enjoys the interaction with the community as well as the friendships he’s established with his co-workers. His boss came for a visit earlier this month and mentioned his surprise that Andrew didn’t apply for a recent promotion opportunity. While he had considered it, our family is happy with where we are and wanted to take a pause in career movement while he progresses his education. Andrew has also been heavily involved with the full-time missionaries on the rare occasion that they make it over to our island, and often times even between visits. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We thought this month had been pretty full and busy for this husband/daddy/manager/church clerk/member missionary but yesterday he added one more adventure to his busy schedule and participated in a triathlon of his own making. It was the first race he did in Laurie’s lifetime. She was a cute little cheerleader for him and even today keeps telling him, “Good job Daddy!”

I arrived home on a Saturday night and was immediately back to meetings, lessons and activities for the young women’s program at church. This month marks a year since I received this calling and I confess that I still feel a bit like a fish out of water with it. I do love the girls that I get to interact with, though. I also jumped right back into work on Monday morning with a new schedule. Before I left for Christmas, the temporary job I had worked had expired but my boss had invited me to return to a different position with the city. She offered it as a permanent position. I accepted it as a temporary job. While I was gone, the circumstances changed so she asked me to come back to fill my original job. Upon my return, she had me sign the paperwork to confirm the raise she and I had discussed and she “snuck” in the change of status from temporary to permanent. I hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to go ahead and take the plunge. One of the things I love about our small town is that even with both parents working, my children have complete and total access to Mom AND Dad at any time during any day. Andrew’s work is across the street from the school (the middle school and elementary school share a campus) and my work is connected to the public library - a place that is easily within walking distance from the school and/or our home and a place where Ammon and Peter love to spend their time. We found a FABULOUS new babysitter for Laurie, who I couldn’t be happier with and we are all adjusting to the slightly new schedule. Although my job description stayed the same, I changed desks/locations within the office so I am getting things re-situated and am also having the opportunity to learn some additional responsibilities. While I enjoyed being in my own office the past several months, I am having now having a blast being down in the main reception area of the city office and getting to see so many friendly faces throughout the day.

Ammon, having turned 12 and being ordained a deacon, passed the Sacrament in church for the first time this month. I see him already growing into that responsibility, doing it with greater confidence each week. I am amazed at what a wonderful young man he is becoming. He and I also attended his first mutual activity together. (That is one of the perks of me being the Young Women’s President!) We had a great time learning together about “pressing forward with steadfastness and Christ” and eating amazing homemade pizzas on a float house school that has been converted into a home. I enjoy the unique experiences we get to have as part of life in Alaska. Ammon has spent a good portion of the month reading – to the point that he actually got written up at school for reading TOO much. Yup… that’s Ammon for you. He has a really hard time putting down a good book – especially if it’s in the middle of the climactic moment. We also hadn’t realized just how many books he’d collected until his teacher came into the bank and mentioned that a big portion of his books were missing. We found more than 30 books that Ammon had read and then forgot to return. Oops. We’re working to keep better tabs on that now. This month we also had a fun gaming afternoon with a friend. I’m hoping that we get to do many more of those as the year progresses. The two favorite games of the afternoon were King of Toyko and Sushi Go.

Peter, my ever social 8-year-old was very much missed by the time we got back to Craig. We had been gone for four weeks and heard from some friends that people had been asking about him often, anxiously awaiting his return. Peter was delighted to be back in school for both academic and social reasons. He has mastered his division – a subject that had him feeling quite flummoxed just a month ago. He was complaining about recess not being fun enough lately, but spends most of his time playing on the merry go round and the zip line and has determined that it’s pretty fun after all. He spends his afternoons at the library where a whole team of his peers gather together for online gaming. They play a game called Tanki and have fun collaborating on strategies, having battles against each other, and cheering each other on as they earn advancements. Peter has also participated in wrestling and scouts this month but his crowning achievement was staying on the Principal's list for the second quarter in a row. That means he has maintained his 4.0 GPA all year. Our trip interfered with his perfect attendance but he's quite proud of having kept his grades up despite missing ten school days.

Laurie has been adjusting to a new babysitter. Tylene has two boys – one Peter’s age and one Laurie’s age. She has been a perfect daycare provider for Laurie and Andrew and I couldn’t be happier with the environment Laurie is in or the quality of care she is receiving. Laurie is becoming more and more of chatter box and just delights us with her conversation. She received several new pairs of shoes for her birthday and wears them ALL. She is also getting more and more picky about what she is willing to wear each day. Laurie definitely has opinions about her fashion. Laurie used her potty correctly this month, but that is really more of a fluke than anything and we aren’t in full-fledged potty training by any stretch of the imagination. We did, however, graduate her into a toddler bed from her crib.

There have been a lot of big changes in our family this month. I  expect the next few months will be more of us settling into our new routines and less of the major new adventures that we embarked in this year We definitely started 2016 with a bang!

Sunday

One of my resolutions for the year was to be a better journal keeper. I've gone back and forth on whether that meant I want to be more committed to blogging or journal writing. Probably the real answer is both which is somewhat overwhelming and probably explains why neither is happening. But I have a moment while the boys are upstairs pretending (all too loudly) to sleep, Laurie is crying in her crib very obviously NOT sleeping, and Andrew is out with the missionaries for a discussion with Roxanne.

Today is Sunday so we went to church. I actually spoke in Sacrament Meeting and I think it went well overall. The topic was Visiting Teaching which I love to speak on. Sadly, I was up until nearly 2:00 in the morning getting the talk prepared. I was asked to speak as a substitute and didn't receive the assignment until Thursday. On Thursday the missionaries arrived on the island and Andrew had invited them to our house for dinner. Following dinner we hosted a missionary discussion with Roxanne. Then on Friday, I had work. After work we had the Page family come over to visit with the missionaries and then we invited them to stay for dinner. Roxanne was supposed to come over after that but it turned out not to work. However, on Saturday Andrew ended up leaving at 1:00 to go work with the missionaries. He didn't get back until 5:00 at which point he returned with the Elders and Cayden Bird because they were meeting Marci here to chat with her. We ended up having Marci stay for dinner and hung out here until we realized we were missing Brinleigh's birthday party. The three kids and I all rushed over to the party and Andrew stayed home because after their dinner appointment, the missionaries were coming back to our house to meet with Roxanne again. It has been missionary interactions and constant company pretty much since I was asked to speak. Anyway - that's my "excuse" for "procrastinating" until late Saturday night to get it all pulled together. And why the rest of my church experience today was mostly just fighting to stay awake. Andrew and I did come home and take naps while Laurie took hers. But now it's 9:30, the three kids are all still awake, Andrew isn't home and I have lost my patience. So I'm sitting silently on the couch hoping it all resolves itself while I ignore it and blog.